The Ocean - A Quarterly for Florida Buddhists

The Ocean

a quarterly for florida buddhists

Welcome to the Website for
the Newsletter
The Summer 2009 newsletter is online, and previous issues are on the Newsletter Page.

The Summer issue requires a full eleven seconds of your time to open! Please be assured it does open.
On this page you will find a Regional Calendar which lists a sampling of Dharma events throughout the state.
Just like the newsletter, the calendar will include events from all Buddhist traditions. The Buddhist Centers Page is just that, a listing of Buddhist Centers in the State of Florida.

The door is always WIDE open for comments
and editorial contributions or whatever you got!

NORTHERN FLORIDA...

MAY, 2009 KARMA THEGSUM CHOLING, VVVVVVVVVVVVVV Jacksonville

Weekly Practice Schedule

Wednesdays 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm
Silent sitting & walking Meditation (doors open at 6:45 pm) with Lama Tsultrim Khandro.
All are welcome to attend.

Saturdays 10:30 am until Noon
The practice of the Chenrezig & Amitabha sadhanas with Lama Tsultrim Khandro.
Doors open at 10:00 am for silent sitting meditation practice.
All are welcome to attend.

First Sunday Only
The practice of the Green Tara sadhana with Lama Tsultrim Khandro.
Doors open at 9:00 am for silent sitting meditation practice.
The practice begins at 9:30 am.
This practice helps to clear obstacles to the development of compassionate mind, and to bring peace to our troubled world.
These practice's are free of charge and open to the public.

http://www.ktcjax.org/welcome/events.html

MAY, 2009 TALLAHASSEE SHAMBHALA MEDITATION GROUP, Tallahassee

Mondays 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Meditation instruction, Book discussion, Sitting and walking meditation
Tuesdays: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Meditation and Chanting
Contact Person: Jo Schaden
Email: joschaden@att.net
For More Information on our Developing Schedule Contact: Mary Beth McBride, mcbridemb@hotmail.com

http://webdharma.com/shambhala/ shambhala/" target="_blank">http://webdharma.com/shambhala/

MAY, 2009 BUDDHIST PEACE FELLOWSHIP, Tallahassee

BPF meets the 2nd Sunday of the month at 12:30 p.m. at the Tallahassee Buddhist Community in Railroad Square
For the latest on the schedule email amy.pratt75@gmail.com

http://www.webdharma.com/tbpf/speakers.html

IN THE MIDDLE...

MAY, 2009 TIBETAN BUDDHIST STUDY AND MEDITATION GROUP, University Park

Friday Night Video Teachings
7-9:00 PM
University Park, FL

Ongoing, all levels welcome

Under the auspices of Nalandabodhi (www.nalandabodhi.org)
and The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche (www.dpr.info)

"The Buddha taught that there is no enlightenment and no wisdom outside our own minds." The 7th Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

Please RSVP with Margie at Sarasota@nalandabodhi.org

MAY, 2009 KARMA THEGSUM CHOLING, Gainesville

Sundays Ongoing

11:00 a.m-12:30 p.m. Meditation, dharma teachings, Chenrezig sadhana with Lama David Bole. Visitors are welcome and meditation instruction is available. We meet at The Sanctuary Yoga Center, 1204 NW 10 Ave., Gainesville FL.

http://www.kagyu.org/kagyulineage/centers/usa/usa-gai.php

2009 FLORIDA TIBETAN MEDITATION CENTER, Gainesville

Dear Gainesville Friend,

Most of you know about the Buddhist Center we are trying to establish on 100 acres at Lake Santa Fe.

Right now we are working with the Nature Conservancy to place a conservation easement which will help pay for the land.

The recent cut in Florida Forever Funds is affecting our ability to obtain funds for our conservation easement, as well as many other valuable lands that could be obtained.

Gov Crist is considering a veto--please help him feel the support by clicking on this link.

Thanks, Lucian

http://audubonaction.org/campaign/urge_gov_crist_to_veto_florida_forever_cuts

THE CENTERS SITE IS

http://www.floridatbc.org/#

MAY, 2009 KARMA THEGSUM CHOLING, Tampa

Meets every Sunday at 5803 N. Florida ave at 9;30am for sitting and walking meditation and a Sadhana practice.
Please refer to our website for more information.....

http://www.ktctampa.org/

MAY, 2009 TIBETAN MEDITATION CENTER, Gainesville

Wednesday evenings at 6 PM book study the Jewel Ornament of Liberation and practice Shamatha meditation as well as one of a few deity practices together. Beginners and experienced practitioners welcome. Monday evenings Tara Practice 6:30 PM. Everyone welcome. Friday evenings Zambhala Practice 6:30 PM

http://www.floridadharma.org/index.htm

MAY 30 - JUNE 6, 2009 FLORIDA COMMUNITY OF MINDFULNESS, Naples

The 2009 summer retreat at Southern Dharma Retreat Center will be held from May 30th through June 6th. The topic is Awakening as a Householder: The Dharma Path of Vimilakirti. As registration for this retreat is limited, we suggest you register early at www.southerndharma.org.

http://floridamindfulness.org/

APRIL 17- 20, 2009 BUDDHIST SUMMER CAMP, Orlando

In 2001, several Buddhist associations in Florida organized Florida Buddhist Summer Camp. It was created by the prominent senior Chinese Buddhist monk, Venerable Hsien Ming, the 44th Patriarch of Chinese Tian Tai School of Mahayana Buddhism.

Out of concern for the continuing moral decline of society, Ven. Hsien Ming advocated both entertaining and educational activities for the camp that assist in fully realizing our sacred humanity. Attending the camp will provide an opportunity to listen to auspicious and affirming Dharma teachings.

Under the leadership of Venerable Ming Kuang , the 45th Patriarch, the Buddhist Summer Camp is now in it’s ninths year.

The theme of the 2009 Florida Summer Camp is
: The Compassion, Wisdom, Practices and Great Vows of Mahayana Buddhism.

We are honored to have invited six Buddhist monks and nuns to be our Dharma teachers in the Summer Camp. All of them are at the senior level with strong solid foundations in both theory and practice. They are:
Ven. Ming Kuang ( Camp Director )
The 45th Patriarch of Tian Tai School of Mahayana Buddhism Ven.
Heng Sure , specialized in Pure Land School and Avatamsaka School
Ven. Jian Hu , specialized in Zen ( Chan) School
Ven. Bhante Dhammawansha, specialized in Theravada Buddhism
Ven. Tsai Lui, specialized in Consciousness Only School
Ven. Tse Hsin, specialized in Consciousness Only School

If you have any questions about the camp, please E-mail:
Mary Tan / David Tseng maryxiaolintan@yahoo.com

MAY 2, 2009 FLORIDA COMMUNITY OF MINDFULNESS, Tampa

Mind at Ease, Body in Comfort

An All Day Workshop on Mindfulness, Meditation and Yoga

9:00am – 4:00pm
This retreat offers a special and unique opportunity to step out of the hectic pace of daily living for personal renewal and relaxation. Blend the movement and health benefits of yoga with the mindfulness of Buddhist philosophy.

Val Spies will guide you through a yoga practice fit for all levels that will connect you to your body and uplift your spirit.

Fred Eppsteiner will lead the group in seated & walking mindfulness meditation and dharma talks on mindfulness and daily life.

Together the group will explore practical ways to deal with the transformation of our current times and discuss methods of finding ease and comfort through the application of mindfulness practices.

Bring a lunch and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Lotus Pond during midday rest and relaxation time.

**Cost $65. Register in advance online at www.yogalotusroom.com or call 813-961-3160**

http://floridamindfulness.org/

SOUTH...

MAY, 2009 TUBTEN KUNGA CENTER, Deerfield Beach

Mondays Ongoing
Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life
This class is taught by Geshe Konchog Kyab. It is an ongoing class and is open to all levels!

For as long as space endures. For as long as living beings remain. Until then, may I too abide. To dispel the misery of the world. Dedication from Shantideva's Bodhicharyavatara (The Way of the Bodhisattva).

This ancient text is the indispensible handbook for all people seeking a peaceful world and a happy life. The teachings on the bodhisattva deeds are based on Shantideva's inspirational text on Buddhist practice. Composed over 1,000 years ago, Shantideva's text is still widely regarded as the most authentic and complete guide for the Mahayana Buddhist practitioner. A classic, ranging in scope from simple practical techniques for dealing with destructive emotions to the most refined discussion of ultimate truth. Beautifully written, profoundly deep, and amazingly modern; please join us for this enjoyable course!

Please visit the centers website for a list of all their classes

http://www.tubtenkunga.org/index.html

MAY, 2009 KAGYU SHEDRUP CHOLING, El Portal

Sundays 8:30 a.m. Butterlamp offerings, meditation, chanting the sadhana of Green Tara/ Medicine Buddha. Butterlamps are a traditional Tibetan offering. This “Offering of One Hundred” includes 108 butter lamps, 108 bowls of saffron water, rice, flowers and incense. Participants chant the sadhanas keeping in mind special prayer requests made that particular day.

Tuesdays 7:30p.m. New Beginners Class
Learn meditation and basic Buddhist philosophy. There will be time for sitting meditation, chanting meditation, preliminary practices or others after the teachings. First session of each month will be on introduction to Buddhism.

For the complete schedule, please visit the centers website.

http://www.kagyu-sfla.org/index1.htm

APRIL, 2009 TIBETAN INSTITUTE AND LIBRARY, Coral Gables

Welcome Back!!

The Tibetan Institute extends best wishes for the New Year to all of our friends.

We are beginning an exciting new year with new programs and a new schedule.
Our new website is up and in the process of being completed. This year we will begin a new program at the Pinecrest Public Library on the third Thursday of the month.

We look forward to seeing you during this our seventh year of serving the community.

Program April 2009

Thursday April 9th, 7:30 pm
At Miami Friends Meeting House 1185 Sunset Drive, Coral Gables, Florida. Recitation of "The Heart Sutra" & "Eight Verses for Training the Mind", followed by half hour of silent Meditation.
Commentary and open Discussion on these texts (feel free to bring your mat and/or cushion.)
Social tea and treats after Dharma session.

Thursday April 16, 7:00 pm
Pinecrest Public Library 5835 SW 111 Street, Pinecrest, Florida.
Tales of the Far East Book Reading Club Readings and discussion from "Kindness, Clarity and Insight", by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and "What the Buddha Taught."
Our regular monthly meetings are free and open to the public.

www.tibetaninstitute.org

MAY, 2009 PADMASAMBHAVA CENTER, Palm Beach

NEW!

Sunday Mornings

10am Meditation 11am Discussion Group For a complete calendar please visit the centers website

http://www.pbdc.net/center.html

MAY, 2009 PALM BEACH SHAMBHALA MEDITATION GROUP, Palm Beach

Please join us downtown West Palm Beach at the Unity Church of the Palm Beaches for our weekly group meditation practice. We meet on Tuesday evenings in Fellowship Hall 6:30-8:30 PM.

This course will provide an introduction to the gentleness and sanity of meditation practice. Each class begins with meditation instruction and review. Sitting meditation will be followed by reading, contemplation and discussion about working with our own and others’ states of mind with compassion, precision and a light touch.

Selected readings will be taken from the bestselling
Turning the Mind into an Ally by Sakyong Mipham,
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron, and
Sacred World by Dr. Jeremy Hayward.

[books are available at the church bookstore].

Unity Church of the Palm Beaches is located at:
1957 South Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach FL 33401

Class begins promptly at 6:30 pm;
please arrive a little early to get settled.
Your $10 donation is tax-deductible!

The program is open to all and suitable for people of any religion or belief system. Everyone is welcome to one, or some, or all of the classes. For more information please call (561) 281-2788.

http://palmbeach.shambhala.org/

MAY, 2009 SOUTHERN PALM ZEN GROUP/FORT LAUDERDALE ZEN GROUP, Boca Raton

The Southern Palm Zen Group is continuing with a series of talks dedicated to making the body of Zen and Buddhist written teachings more familiar with those interested in them.

The talks are on the first Wednesday of the month ( except for this May-see schedule) from 6-7 pm at the Unitarian Fellowship in Boca Raton. Talks are followed by a brief Zen service and 2 periods of meditation. There is no charge for the evening.

Preparatory material is sent out prior 2-3 weeks before the talks. If you wish to be on the Southern Palm Zen Group mail list and be notified of these events, please write stjaneff@bellsouth.net

Other Wednesday nights during the year there is an ongoing study/discussion group using Joko Beck’s EverydayZen as a study guide.

4/1/09 Jewel Mirror Awareness
5/13 Song of Zazen
6/3 Lankavatara Sutra
7/1 Faith in Mind Verses
8/12 Lotus Sutra
9/2 Genjokoan
10/7 Surangama Sutra
11/4 Dhammapada
12/2 Fukanzazengi/Bendowa
1/6/10 Uji/Dogen
2/3 Nargajuna
3/3 One Bright Pearl/Dogen
4/7 Song of Milerepa
5/5 Anapanasati Sutra
6/2 Tripiteka

MAY 9 - 10, 2009 WAT MIAMI/BUDDHARANGSI, Homestead

Visakhabucha Day

Programs :
Saturday May 9th, 2009
05:00 p.m. Laypeople taking "RUB SIL" (Keeping the five precepts vows, including abstinence from alcoholic drinks and all kinds of immoral act).
06:00 p.m. Monks and laypeople do evening chanting in Pali (Phra Dhammajak).

Sunday May 10th, 2009
10:30 a.m. Monks chanting in Pali and laypeople taking "RUB SIL", monks collect alms.
11:00 a.m. "TUK BARD" (Offering foods to the monks in the alm bowl), followed by lunch for the laypeople.
1:00 p.m. "Wien Thien" (To walk/meditate around the religious hall with candle, incense and flowers in remembrance of the Triple Gem in the evening of the Vesak full moon day) ceremony, followed by the Dharma teachings (in Thai).
6:00 p.m. Monks and laypeople do evening chanting and meditation. Laypeople leaving the eighth precepts vows and receive teaching from the monks.

Please join us in attending the two days ceremony, chanting and taking the precepts vows to pray your respects to Lord Buddha on the occasion of Visakhabucha day. Practicing the Dharma and chanting is a way of building and accumulating your own inner power, peace and happiness that will be with you for eternity. We hope you can join us on this important occasion.

http://watmiami.org/

MAY 2009, KAGYU GYURMEY GATSAL CHOLING, Key West

Meets on Sundays for practice. This group is lead by Lama Karma Chotso, who is the resident lama at Kagyu Shedrup Choling in El Portal. For information on directions and times call Kagyu Gyurmey Gatsal Choling at 305-296-1974.

http://www.kagyu-sfla.org/index3.htm

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contact the newsletter
here is the address
theocean@flbuddhistnews.com